Notable ommissions? The Netherlands' Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie failed to make the cut, as did Brazil's Neymar and Argentina's Lionel Messi, despite all getting on the scoresheet in the first round of games.

In fact, the hosts do not feature in the statistical dream-team.

"There are only 11 places, so you are always going to upset some people - but we feel this is a World XI that will beat anyone after their opening 90 minutes in Brazil," said William Hill spokesman Jem Maidment.